suzy hausfrau

Summer knitting

2012-02-13T11:18:00.001+11:00

We are having such a mild summer in these parts. It was the same last year, then winter started early and long outstayed its welcome. I'm usually a person that loves winter, having grown up in a sub-tropical climate I thoroughly enjoy the change of seasons. I love that even if its hot or cold, you know that it won't last that long and the next season is around the corner. I love, love, love dressing for winter in coats, scarves, tights and gloves...I don't think the novelty will ever wear off.

But back to summer...I've been knitting a lot this summer outside under the tree while the kids play. Maybe it has been because the weather is mild, but it has got me to thinking about year-round knitters and crochet folk and those that enjoy a cozy project when its chilly outside? I have so many projects in my Ravelry queue I would never get through them in a winter session...but what about you - winter only or all year?

Summer lights

2012-02-11T11:00:00.004+11:00

Do you remember these from a couple of years ago? Repainted with my favourite Rust-oleum ?

They still look great and have stood the test of time....why oh why then has Bunnings decided to delete this range? Lucky then that I have a paint stash, that could nearly match my yarn one.

Have a great weekend,

suzy xoxo

A time to celebrate

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000+11:00

Ten years celebrated by visiting my favourite garden , quiet walks and fabulous food . Not to mention an old-style motel and time to start a new knitting project on the way there and back.

I don't want to wait ten years to do it all again!

suzy xoxo

Cheesecakeapalooza

2012-02-05T21:34:00.010+11:00

Under the shade of a pear tree, and next to the most beautifully weathered garden shed I have ever seen...this afternoon some crafty peeps and I came to what we call 'cheesecakeapalooza'!

Cheesecake was sampled, shared, critiqued and enjoyed....new flavours were explored, projects shared and plans made. I highly recommend it!

02-02-2002

2012-02-03T08:39:00.004+11:00

Ten years on I wouldn't change a thing about our wedding. It was small, simple - and I DO mean simple...no bridesmaids, no cars (we went in a taxi) and no pro photographers. I wouldn't change the venue - registry office and restaurant. I'd keep the purple dress (bought off the rack) and the stonking red hair! And I wouldn't change the chap - he's pretty amazing!

The Last Knit

2012-01-28T09:40:00.001+11:00

Am I the last knitter to have seen 'The Last Knit' by Finland's Laura Neuvonen?

Simple, amazing and so so true.

Enjoy,
suzy xoxo

My creative space

2012-01-27T10:22:00.006+11:00

Working on the Anemone Vest in Holst Garn Antimony. Everybody's home and happy...today is a good day!

More creative spaces over here.

suzy xoxo

Sameness

2012-01-26T09:55:00.008+11:00

Every Christmas holidays from the time I was 4 until about 18 I spent 3 weeks at the beach in a caravan park...the same beach, the same caravan park every year. Our caravan was always parked in the same spot under the same tree and I was always doing the same things every year with the same friends -hanging out at the beach, climbing the rocks, catching tadpoles, swimming, walking, talking and laughing.

Lucky for me my parents chose to retire to this same spot and now I get to share it with my children. Last Saturday Sebastien and I ventured on a mama and son mini-holiday to my special place...in part to surprise grandad for his 85th birthday, and in part to enjoy the sameness of it all...

Happy Australia day,

suzy xoxo

Leeks in flower

2012-01-23T06:00:00.002+11:00

I let a few of my leeks go to flower last year, just for the fun of it. When I was ready to pull them up I couldn't bear depriving the bees of what seemed to be their favourite flower so I kept them as cut flowers outside on the potting bench.

That was some six weeks ago...and they are gorgeous still, gorgeous enough to be brought inside to enjoy. Sebastien thinks they remind him of a firework in the night sky...I can see that, can you?

suzy xoxo

Alpine Frost Scarf #2

2012-01-20T06:00:00.007+11:00

Old post alert - meant to be posted back when it finished in October and the weather was colder - sorry....

Alpine Frost Scarf , the second, in baby alpaca - finished, gifted, worn and loved - so loved that I receive regular texts from the recipient at her windy new abode.

I reminded myself to post this today whilst packing for a trip to Bundaberg in sunny Queensland...off to surprise my dad for his 85th birthday tomorrow! I've packed some more of this gorgeous baby alpaca in this colour to go with this pattern for some holiday knitting.

Have a great weekend,

suzy xoxo

PS: details of project over here on Ravelry

Ruby red

2012-01-19T14:49:00.005+11:00

Yesterday we were quietly sitting on the front steps watching the world go by...just taking the time you know. The time to just notice - colours, shapes, wind, flowers...and that the petal on the step was almost the same colour as the railings, which was nearly the same colour as Miss Sophie's mouth after her bowl of strawberries.

tiKKi's Jane in Debbie Bliss Cotton DK

2012-01-17T08:26:00.014+11:00

As promised on the weekend, here is my first finished project for 2012! It's a great summer knit from the talented designer Georgie Hallam, tiKKi ...you can see why there is a Ravelry Group aptly titled tiKKi love! Whilst this seamless pattern has an unusual construction, it is a very easy and quick knit. The moss stitch border just does it for me, despite my recent unfortunate history .

Inspired by Retro mummy , I chose to knit mine in Debbie Bliss Cotton DK (#47) size 4, and the recipient? Very grateful after the cool summer that we have been having so far.

Project details over on my Ravelry page .

Happy knitting,

suzy xoxo

Free MillaMia Single Pattern

2012-01-14T09:39:00.005+11:00

From now until stocks last when you

spend $50 or more on MillaMia you will receive

a FREE MillaMia single pattern

(RRP $10.50)

of your choice.

Please indicate your choice in the comments field when you place your order.

Macrame

2012-01-13T16:13:00.005+11:00

Refinery29 via Pinterest

Twice in the past week I've pinned or ripped out of a magazine - macrame inspiration! Scary no? I mean SCARY YES.

I mean macrame is to those of us old enough to remember the 70s the epitome of ugliness...forced upon us wee children by hangover hippy teachers from the 1960s sporting lengths of rope and ugly brown wooden beads....so why am I drawn to it? Perhaps the new take on it with the bright nylon rope. I've even go so far as to check...you can buy supplies on etsy.

Her Hausfrau is not convinced, I guess I will have to wait a bit longer.

suzy xoxo

PS: tomorrow I'm sharing a finished knitted project, you remember yarn, the stuff I sell. Well I put it on some sticks, waved them around a bit and made a jumper - pretty incredible yeah?

Hanging on to Xmas

2012-01-06T20:20:00.007+11:00

We're not quite ready here to let go of Christmas. The stockings, tree and decorations are all packed away....but we've popped our tree lights into this vase so we can admire them for a bit longer.

Something for suzy...McCalls 5388

2012-01-05T10:07:00.004+11:00

Yesterday morning I had three hours of uninterrupted sewing time and it was pure bliss. I made something for me! Nothing short of amazing I tell you. I managed to cut it out, sew it up and wear it to lunch with a friend. I think a pretty good effort for a morning's work.

The picture is not great, because I was literally running out the door and running late!

Pattern Details: McCalls 5388 View D (out of print now I think)

Fabric: Cotton Voile. Valeri Wells for Free Spirit Wildfield Cherry Fabric.

Since I began referring to Sandra Betzina's More Fabric Savvy before sewing, the finish on my garments has come on leaps and bounds. Using the correct needles, thread and seams really makes all the difference.

Have a great day,

suzy xoxo

White

2012-01-03T20:15:00.006+11:00

I found this amazing installation via Design Mom which was recently done at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, which is my hometown.

My kids and I recently joined in some sticker art at the National Portrait Gallery here in Canberra, but I gotta tell you it was nothing like this.

First the artist, Yayoi Kusama created a typical Australian house, and then painted it all white...

...then she let the kids loose.

...a few more kids,

...and here's the result!

White is such a perfect colour for this and one of the reasons I love it so much. It's the perfect blank canvas, the fresh start, the purest colour, the absence of colour and absolute simplicity - perfect for my first post of 2012.

More images of here, here and here.

Happy New Year,
suzy xoxo

PS I can tell you there was nothing as cool as this in BrisVegas in the 70s!

Big Savings on Debbie Bliss and MillaMia

2011-12-28T14:01:00.003+11:00

We have marked down the prices of some of our most popular lines for our New Year Sale from now until midnight (AEST) 4 January 2012.

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

$9.95(RRP$11.50)

Debbie Bliss Cotton DK

$6.95 (RRP $7.95)

MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

$8.95 (RRP $11.95).

PLUS, as always, Free Shipping on all Australian orders.

Two families

2011-12-27T09:32:00.003+11:00

One of the curiousities of our neighbourhood is the pevy, group, ostentation, pride or whatever you like to call a bunch of peacocks and peahens. Local legend has it that they escaped from a now defunct zoo a few kilometres away. Well wherever they came form they are certainly here to stay.

We usually encounter these beasts crossing the road or loitering on some unsuspecting neighbours front porch...but this morning there they were on our next-door neighbours roof. One mama peahen and her three chicks eyeing off this mama human and her two squidgets (scientific term!).

Snap Sale on MillaMia 25% off

2011-12-09T13:15:00.005+11:00

Jump for joy!

A superquick post to say yes I'm still here and secondly that from today until midnight Sunday 11th December (3 days only) I've taken 25% off all MillaMia yarn, books and single patterns.

That brings yarn down from $11.95 to $8.95 each and books are $29.95 which is $10 off.

You still get FREE Shipping in Australia and a further 10% off if you spend $60 or more.

All I want for Christmas

2011-11-28T20:41:00.007+11:00

Hands up who wants one of these for Christmas? I see that maxi-dresses are all the rage this summer.

Believe it or not...pattern for sale over here.

Edit - this place is a veritable gold mine of vintage patterns!

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar on TOMORROW

2011-11-26T21:06:00.005+11:00

(Free Christmas stocking pattern from MillaMia )

If you are in or around Canberra tomorrow then please come and say hi at the:

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar

1-5 pm

ACT ATSI Cultural Centre

245 Lady Denman Drive

Yarramundi.

I'm packing all my Scandi yarn - BC Garn, Holst Garn, MillaMia...as well as pattern books including "55 Christmas Balls to Knit'...hope to see you then and say hi over a Danish pastry or two!

suzy xoxo

My creative space

2011-11-25T08:49:00.007+11:00

Last night kuka and I met up for a late night crafty session to work on our Posie Christmas felt decorations. If the truth be known we were in part crafting and in part purging ourselves of the guilt of having bought these patterns before last Christmas.

I'm rather chuffed with my tree, I just have to finish stitching the edge and stuff it a little. The wee-children were delighted with it this morning and I've already had a request for another.

More creative types are sharing over here .

suzy xoxo

PS: Mid-crafting last night I received an email confirming that I have a table for my yarn at the Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar this Sunday in Canberra...woohoo!

{This moment} - a bit belated

2011-11-22T15:34:00.003+11:00

{this moment} - A ritual with Soule Mama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

My creative Space

2011-11-17T10:35:00.003+11:00

A few weeks absence from sharing My Creative Space folks, sorry about that.

Today I'm sticking with the sticks and casting on Ball #3 from Norwegian knitwear designers, Arne & Carlos' and their fantastic book - Julekuler - 55 Christmas Balls to Knit.

Maybe I'm biased but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book, perfect mix of retro, modern and Scandinavian design which is my greatest influence. In keeping with the Scandinavian theme I'm using MillaMia's merino 5-ply...in red and white of course.

More creative spaces shared over here.

suzy xoxo

New! Christmas gift Vouchers

2011-11-07T11:50:00.004+11:00

I've just loaded some Christmas gift vouchers to the store. Perfect for giving to a fellow yarn tragic, or giving a little hint to family and friends.

suzy xoxo

{This moment}

2011-11-05T05:59:00.004+11:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember. I'm playing along with Soule Mama

A pure crafty stuff up!

2011-10-28T14:24:00.004+11:00

Can we see a problem with this picture crafty peeps?

You might think it's all crafty goodness in these parts morning, noon and night - well this picture tells a different story...

The bottom piece is the back of the Debbie Bliss Moss Stitch jacket - endless and now completed rows of stocking stitch. I was curious about what I felt to be a rather inadequate moss stitch border whilst completing said back - but rationalised it as a pattern that extends from 6 months to 3 years, I'm doing the 3 years so it's going to look smaller on mine - bla bla.

Last weekend I cast on the left front, completed the moss stitch border - and YUP I've made a mistake on the back, two rows short!

Here are the options available to me:

a) pull out the entire back

b) complete garment with the teeny moss stitch border

c) try to unpick the cast on of the back and add two extra rows

d) cut the back moss stitch, throw in a lifeline somewhere and redo the border.

What say you?

Vogue Knitting and Lantern Moon

2011-10-23T20:14:00.007+11:00

Unless my eyes deceive me the cover of the new Vogue Knitting Stichionary books feature Lantern Moon needles, which I recently began to stock. I knew these needles were gorgeous and worthy of a Vogue cover!

The books look pretty good too - will do some investigating and keep you posted...

Happy hausfrau

2011-10-17T16:22:00.005+11:00

Something fantastic planned for this week... involving this fabric, a bit of baking, knitting/crochet and loads of fun.... I can't wait!

Wish list

2011-10-14T17:05:00.007+11:00

I had a lovely conversation with a customer this morning about what brands I have arriving at suzy hausfrau, and others brands that I'm currently stalking. It was great to hear the feedback that Australian knitters/crochet folk want to be able to buy gorgeous yarn from a store right here in Australia! Just the right tonic for me to know that I'm on the right track.

But I would love to hear what's on your wishlist? What brands of yarn would you like me to stock? I would so appreciate an email to admin@suzyhausfrau.com.au with your thoughts on yarn, patterns, accessories, anything else you think that we could be doing better. Ask your friends, other crafty types - I wanna hear it all! I promise, I don't bite.

Have a great weekend,

suzy xoxo

PS Guess where I found my sad little sad dandelion for the photo? In the vegie patch, beside the leeks. Guess I'll be weeding this weekend!

My creative space

2011-10-13T12:44:00.006+11:00

If the truth be known I barely have enough energy for anything vaguely creative today. Sophie and I spent a good three and a half hours at Emergency last night (for asthma) and left without getting seen. It started to get a bit embarrassing when she began to perform a (wheezing) dancing concert for me at 3am! I bailed at this point as it was probably a fair enough reason for why we kept being put to the bottom of the pile. That said, I'm stuffed today!

But I have found some mojo to play with my macro lens and these new additions to the hausfrau fold....will load to shop in next day or so.

People with more mojo than me are creating over here...
suzy xoxo

I love my blankie!

2011-10-11T06:08:00.001+11:00

Remember this? It's still being used and loved by the same little person! Always a gratifying thing for the maker.

Have a great day,

suzy xoxo

BC Garn Baby Alpaca GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2011-10-10T09:03:00.004+11:00

This morning we drew the winner of the BC Garn Baby Alpaca giveaway.....

"Kitten with a Whiplash"

Please email me at admin@suzyhausfrau.com.au to organise the drop!

....thanks everybody for entering!

PINK!!!

2011-10-07T12:05:00.006+11:00

Yesterday, Sophie was with me with the new colours of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino arrived! I grabbed the camera hoping for a cute shot of her helping me unpack....cute I got yes, but I never expected this reaction.

Mama "Let's see what new colours of wool mama has for her shop."

Soph "Are they rainbow colours?"

Mama "Let's see"....mama furiously rips open box of yarn "Let's see...there's green, blue..."

Soph "PINK! PINK! I love PINK! Let me cuddle it!"

Mama Laughing..."You want to cuddle the wool?"

Soph "PINK! PINK! Aaahhh!"

Well I've tried to be fairly balanced in my approach to what colours I dress her in. I'm not opposed to pink in the slightest, but with her fair skin and hair she rocks navy blue and clear red...but I must "listen to the customer" and start a pink project I think.

Disclaimer - no yarn was hurt in the taking of these photos...these lovely skeins quickly went straight to my ever-expanding stash!

Happy knitting,

suzy xoxo

My creative space

2011-10-06T08:29:00.005+11:00

It's school holidays here and a lovely grey and overcast day! Perfect for working on a new spring 'dreamcatcher' with the squidgets to replace the autumn ones that we made months ago. I use these instructions from the Artful Parent

Also perfect for mummy to grab some sewing time and whip up a quick denim pinafore using these notions. I'm going to use the pattern in The Crafty Kid.

All in all I'm planning a big creative day in my space today...what about you? Need some inspiration - head over here.

suzy xoxo

More queue jumping!

2011-10-05T07:29:00.005+11:00

Yeah, yeah I know that I posted last week that I had a looming deadline, but I just can't seem to stop myself from choosing, dreaming about or even starting new projects! This deadline involves making this same scarf again...and perhaps my attention span just isn't up to doing the same pattern for about 4 metres! Can't think why?

So late yesterday afternoon, inspired by Retro mummy's choice of yarn for the new Tikki pattern, Jane , I cast on YET another new project! As each row progressed I chanted to myself that this was absolutely necessary and perfectly timed as a cotton knit for summer. Sometimes you just have to lie to yourself, and I'm comfortable with that!

On a serious note though Debbie Bliss Cotton DK is a dream to work with - and it has given me an idea for a summer top for me...stay tuned!

suzy xoxo

PS: Last day to enter my giveaway...place a comment on this post to be in it!

October's garden

2011-10-02T14:46:00.006+11:00

After a shocker of a winter in the vegetable garden I'm so relieved to have Spring life appearing. The broad beans are in full flower which hopefully means beans on bruschetta for lunch really soon. In the background here you may just be able to spot some iceberg lettuces which the snails kindly leave for us to eat!

The leeks are still keeping on. I left them in-situ so that I could pick them as I needed them over the winter, but they won't like the warmer weather so I better get a wiggle on and use them up in the next couple of weeks.

My favourite tree in the garden, the Crab-apple is nearly in full bloom....isn't it glorious?

The granny smith apple tree is also in full bloom, and one of my favourite things to say to the squidgets is "can you go and find Bella under the apple tree?" Speaking of Bella, here she is enjoying the warmer weather and watching the world go by.

Come to think of it, this might be a blog debut for Bella. She is fairly sedentary these days at a respectable age of 16, so isn't often in photo range!

Don't forget to pop on over and enter my giveaway that closes this Wednesday.

My creative space and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-29T11:01:00.010+10:00

Sometimes I think I can make some fairly rash decisions when it comes to what I can manage in my creative space/time. I decided to make another Alpine Frost Scarf as a surprise gift to a friend when there was 6 weeks or so to go before said gifting date. This is somewhat unusual for me as I'm often sewing/knitting/crafting right up until the deadline...plenty of time, mate, plenty of time!

So what I have I worked on for the first two weeks - hmmm this new cardigan! Then yesterday "said gifting date" shifted like two weeks forward and I'm back on familiar territory...panic and looming deadlines. This my friends is my creative space today! More over here...

Oh...I nearly forgot. I'd love to giveaway one hank (100g/500m yardage) of the yarn that I'm working with. The glorious baby alpaca to a reader (chosen by random) who leaves a comment here before midnight next Wednesday 5th October (AEST). One hank is enough for a scarf or small shawl usually, and the winner can choose their own colour.

Three day strawberry jam!

2011-09-28T06:09:00.010+10:00

Yesterday afternoon I finished my first batch of three day strawberry jam! Three days you say? Well, you macerate and cook the fruit up in sugar and lemon juice over a couple of days before making it up on day three.

I read on Martha's blog that this is her preferred way of making jam, which I figured was a a damn fine endorsement. The man of the house bought me the book for my birthday. It is by Christine Ferber, a jam maker and pastry chef who lives in Alsace, France - ahhhh! That is just me sighing...

So back to the jam. It it much more delicate in flavour, still sweet but not overly so. The fruit is translucent because it is separated out from the jam setting process. I was (as always) a little impatient in pouring it into the bottle which means the fruit has risen, but that is just pure aesthetics. For I can tell you that Sebastien (who was home from school for the day) and I shared a great slathering of it on a croissant for afternoon tea...and it was yummeeee!!!

New stock at suzy hausfrau

2011-09-26T21:15:00.005+10:00

I've got to admit this yarn store thing can be a bit exciting at times! Take today for instance, after dropping the squidgets at school I ventured out to the Australian distributor of Brittany needles/crochet hooks. I was delighted last week to find them so close to me here in Canberra...not quite in Canberra but in a small village just on the outskirts. The ladies were so lovely and showed me around the warehouse which was packed with all sort of gorgeous crafty goodness. Then they gave me a trolley and let me go! I loaded up on some Brittany knitting needles and crochet hooks , plus a few new pattern books to add to the collection. There are some other sizes of Brittany still to come, and I will add more beautiful lines from them in the next few weeks.

Just take a peep at these needles and hooks, made from birch wood which originates from strictly regulated forests or small woodland owners in the US. This wood is turned by a family of craftsmen. Birch is used because it is strong, stable, resists warping and can be given a smooth finish.

I've transferred both projects that I have on the sticks and hooks tonight, and I'm smitten!

Petite Purls FREE magazine

2011-09-23T08:07:00.001+10:00

Design by Cheezombie as featured in Petite Purls

Canberra's annual flower festival, Floriade kicked off this week so I'm absolutely delighted to have found these gorgeous tulips to make for the little ones. They come in the most delightful FREE online magazine . Hello did you hear me...FREE, FREE patterns...FREE!!!

Sometimes I think I can be a little slow on the uptake. I'm sure I must be the last person to have heard of Petite Purls. The latest issue is here and features an article on the top ten textile toy designers on the web, some great patterns for Waldorf dolls (even a swimsuit)and more FREE stuff than even I have hope of devouring!

There are also back issues for the last two years and some basic patterns for your squidgets.

I'm absolutely smitten!

Have a great day,

suzy xoxo

My creative space

2011-09-22T10:46:00.006+10:00

Moss stitch, I just love it! It was the stitch that I most wanted to master when I first started knitting.

The baby jacket with the loveliest moss stitch border by Debbie Bliss is what I'm working on today. The other night I suddenly realised that the largest size in the pattern is 24-36 months in the book that I have and my lil' Sophie will be 3 in December! Yikes, no time for UFOs here.

More creative spaces over here.

Have a awesome day,

suzy xoxo

New stock at suzy hausfrau

2011-09-19T21:41:00.004+10:00

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to be introducing Debbie Bliss yarn to my little store. Since opening back in June I've had so many people ask me if I'm going to stock Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. It is an obvious favourite with a lot of knitters/crochet folk out there. I have used this yarn a couple of times in the past, most notably for this cardigan for Sophie. It was a dream to work with, and this garment has kept on going through a couple of seasons and will easily make more...

I have started with the ten most popular colours, and will add to the range over the next few weeks.

I am also stocking Debbie Bliss Cotton DK for those customers who want to make up some lighter garments for spring/summer...and a couple of pattern books.

Please let me know if there are any colours or books that I don't have, I'm more than happy to do a special order.

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

$9.95 per ball (RRP $11.50)

Debbie Bliss Cotton DK Bliss Cotton DK

$7.95 per ball

Pattern Books , starting at $24.95

New blog crush

2011-09-15T17:34:00.005+10:00

It's been a while since I've posted about any new blog crushes. I have lots of them, there are so many talented people out there I often feel quite inadequate. So, today I was working...ummm....away, ahem on Pinterest - seriously I was!

Anwyay, whilst I was merrily pinning away I came across this guy, followed the link back to this blog ...isn't it divine! I love the use of muted colours, this blog is so inspirational I knew that I had to share it! Share my new blog crush...

image from willewopsie

BC Garn Baby Alpaca LOVE!

2011-09-11T07:32:00.007+10:00

From the moment that I touched the dear sweet baby alpaca fibre on the sample card I have been in love! When the hanks arrived in the most delicious and sweet colours, I was smitten...working with it whilst making my new scarf was just divine...and now I'm obsessed!

This yarn makes grown women go weak at the knees - I'm serious! I wore this scarf to my showcase a few weeks ago and it was easily the best seller on the day. I have all of the kinder mums at school in a frenzy, buying it up....and most of them can't even crochet! (I can feel a class or two coming on). Have I told you that I love it? I mean REALLY love it...can't you tell?

...and I love wearing my new scarf, firstly because I hardly ever make anything for me, but mainly because it is just GAWGEOUS! Crochet can sometimes create garments that are a bit rigid, but this has fluidity and grace...and dare I say it class!

Happy days,

suzy xoxo

My creative space

2011-09-08T13:37:00.007+10:00

Today my creative space is focused my friends! I'm so close to finishing a summer dress/tunic for Sophie so I am going to push on, finish it and block it out tonight - which will mean a little photo shoot on the weekend and show and tell on Monday.

I got terribly excited this morning when I realised the end was near...so I decided to take 15% off all of my silk blends in the store until next Friday (prices as marked).

The pattern is Coco's Bobble Dress and I'm using BC Garn Silkbloom Fino ix20.

Sewing seams

2011-08-30T08:11:00.000+10:00

Do you avoid making garments that need you to sew seams? I am usually disappointed by my efforts I have to say which is such a let down after the whole process of choosing pattern/colours/yarn, not to mention project process.

So then you can imagine my delight when Susan, a long time reader of my blog sent me this fantastic article from the Twist Collective, I'm seriously thinking about pulling out the seams on my Rand Cushion and doing them again with these tips!

Happy sewing,
suzy xoxo

Popcorn stitch bag

2011-08-28T07:08:00.001+10:00

I am staggered by the amount of crochet that I am seeing around in fashion these days. I just love it!

I saw this bag online at a shop called The Limited. It's made with synthetic straw, but I'm seriously thinking it would be totally gorgeous in some BC Garn Silkbloom Fino. I even have a similar colour. I am going to use this picture as inspiration and combine it with the similar stitches in a pattern I'm currently working on, Coco's Bobble Dress, but I'm thinking that I might make mine more like a drawstring bag...hmmm not sure yet. Yes, this one is definitely going in the (very large) project to do queue.

Spring window

2011-08-25T12:11:00.005+10:00

The flowers from my showcase last Sunday are still looking beautiful on my favourite windowsill in the kitchen...reminding me everyday that spring is upon us!

Have a happy day,

suzy xoxo

Special Offer ends this Friday

2011-08-24T05:57:00.004+10:00

A quick reminder that my special offer ends this Friday. Spend $50 in store and get 5% off, spend $100 and get 10% off...and as always,

FREE shipping for all Australian orders.

Canberra Showcase

2011-08-22T09:29:00.005+10:00

What a wonderful day I had yesterday showing off my yarn! It was like the best 'show and tell' session ever. Even I was discovering new colours to put on my wish list. The yarn is usually stored in closed containers so even I don't get to see it set up in all its glory. I was particularly drawn to the Holst Garn Wool/Silk Antimony and find myself thinking about it a LOT today.

But I digress. Thank you to everyone who ventured down to take a peep I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with all of you.

After the morning showing I hosted a lunch for a very special group of crafty friends...a small thank you for being part of my journey into this creative world in the last few years. I had a blast, and I think they did too. You know you have great mates when they all pitch in as well - keeping me company in the morning, taking photos, setting up, dishes and even knitting/crocheting samples for my little store....what an amazing bunch of women!

Canberra Showcase of yarn on this morning

2011-08-21T07:11:00.002+10:00

A very quick reminder that I'm showcasing my yarn this morning at Griffith Neighbourhood Hall (besides the Griffith Shops) from 9 am until midday.

The car is packed, so I'm off - I hope to see you there,

suzy xoxo

Crochet glamazons!

2011-08-20T07:57:00.008+10:00

After finishing my scarf , I have completely fallen in love (again) with crochet and its possibilities. It's so fast and working with the baby alpaca was a dream....so soft and fluid, I can't stop thinking about the endless possibilities. It was sheer coincidence then that I found these photos by a Toronto based designers, Line Knitwear....although it could be done with crochet. Aren't they gorgeous? Now I just need the 7ft glamazon body to match!

(photos via crochet concupscience)

My creative space

2011-08-18T09:48:00.003+10:00

Today I'm working on the final details of my showcase for Sunday, and sharing my creative space with one little squidget...who is busy doing her own thing!

More spaces over here.

Have a great day,

suzy xoxo

Breathe....knit....breathe...

2011-08-17T09:37:00.003+10:00

On days like today when I feel (and know) that I have way too much to do, I need to for only a wee little while, breathe....knit a bit....breathe some more. Even 10 minutes of this helps me to stay calm and focused. It is a pity though that I can't look quite as gorgeous as Audrey doing it!

Playing with colour

2011-08-16T10:29:00.006+10:00

I won't lie to you there are SERIOUS advantages to having all of this yarn around the place! Take last night for example, I was working away on my scarf when it dawned on me that it is only 10 days till the family ski holiday, and I promised everyone new hats....yikes!

Sophie is sorted, she loves, loves, loves MillaMia's Fia Hat that I made earlier this winter - so that leaves me only 3 to go. I've already picked the patterns...phew! So, into the yarn room I go and start looking for colour inspiration...

I think first up is Sebastien and the Skinny Striped Hat (a free pattern from Blue Sky Alpaca)...I'm using the Semilla organic wool (DK weight)....and musing about the above colour combination. I like to let it sit around for a day or two usually so I'm really sure, but there is no time for that now. Tell me, what do you guys think about these colours?

My creative space...silver and grey

2011-08-11T11:00:00.006+10:00

Another wonderful inside day in Canberra. I'm busy working on my Alpine Frost Scarf so that it can be ready for my very first SHOWCASE next Sunday - eeekkk!

It's funny how you can move around the colour spectrum in life, I find that I'm enjoying all the silvers, greys, and silvery green in my life a lot more these days....have a great one!

suzy xoxo

PS: oops nearly forgot, head over here for more creative spaces!

Calling all Canberra yarn tragics!

2011-08-10T13:55:00.003+10:00

I'm so excited to be having my first SHOWCASE of yarn.

So if you are in or around Canberra on Sunday 21st August (9am until midday) come on down to the Griffith Neighbourhood Hall, just beside the Griffith shops in Barker Street.

I'll be there along with all of my yarn...and our special offer will still be on!

I can't wait to meet all of you!

Special offer from suzy hausfrau

2011-08-09T10:07:00.006+10:00

I'm having such a good time with all of the new yarn in store that I've decided to hold my first snap sale.

So...from now until midnight AEST 26 August 2011....

...spend $50 in store and get 5% discount

...spend $100 in store and get 10% discount!

...and remember SHIPPING in Australia is always FREE!

Pattern pictured - MillaMia's Gabrielle jumper

from Close Knit Gang pattern book

(in peacock , fuschia and daisy yellow )

Discount will automatically apply at checkout - no coupons or codes necessary.....have a happy day, suzy xoxo

Getting in line

2011-08-07T11:27:00.007+10:00

I woke up this morning to this wonderful fog - we have our fair share of them here in Canberra. The airport gets fogged in and if you are in the know and you want to get out of Canberra in the morning during winter it is best to book the first flight out - otherwise you may get stuck waiting for aircraft to arrive.

So what to do with this weather so perfect for staying inside...hmmmm.

Well despite all the new arrivals to the store last week, I have resisted casting something on with them and I have decided to keep the natural order of things and start projects in order of their arrival in-store....I tell you it's hard my friends to be surrounded by so much lovliness and frustrating because I just want to knit and crochet ALL THE TIME!

So I've started the Alpine Frost Scarf Frost Scarf in BC Garn Baby Alpaca (colourway au101).

I was trying to get a good shot showing the pattern here, which according to those that have gone before me - "needs a good blocking!" I still think it's pretty as it is ....and here is a macro of the yarn. I know I'm biased but using this yarn I feel like I'm actually patting a baby alpaca, it is so so so so soft!

BC Garn Semilla Organic Wool is here!

2011-08-05T09:44:00.007+10:00

A very quick post today...BC Garn Semilla (DK and Aran) Organic Wool is here and it is stunning! I ordered both the Semilla (8ply) and Semilla grosso (10ply). I will load it up to the shop today and tonight - and then cast something on....oh the choices...

Oliver + S sew along

2011-07-29T06:02:00.002+10:00

So after yesterday's post about stash busting, it got me to thinking about doing some book busting. I'm sure some of you are like me, you see a gorgeous book and you HAVE to buy it. It arrives you are way beyond pleased because the projects are just as beautiful as you imagined...but then something happens, actually nothing happens. Trust me this is not for a lack of wanting to sew, but like most things it gets pushed aside. It was fortuitous then that I came across the Oliver + S Little Things Sew Along from a little gray. I think it's a well paced sew along - one wee project a month.

I have had the Little Things to Sew Book since it came out - and I love it!

So I'm in...and committed! Button on my sidebar - care to join me?

The perfect stash buster

2011-07-28T11:14:00.005+10:00

I have been meaning to post about this for AGES! I made this garment a couple of months ago and let me tell you it was the perfect stash buster. I had both the pattern and the fabric in the stash for at least a couple of years and in a rare moment of clarity I put two and two together and voila, here is the result. It has been a great addition to Sophie's wardrobe and she just adores the little "ladybuggies" all over the fabric.

I'm not sure what the name of the fabric is, but it is a double sided heavy Japanese linen which is very durable and toddler friendly. The pattern is #17 from Ottobre 01/2009.

So much sorrow...so much spirit.

2011-07-26T15:45:00.006+10:00

I have been filled this week with so much sorrow for the people of Norway. But I am absolutely in awe of their spirit, dignity and how they are dealing with this tragedy. I found this quote from a survivor (In my Tree via My Scandinavian Retreat) and it perfectly sums up the Norwegian spirit to me...perhaps this is one of the many reasons that I am drawn to the Scandinavian ethos

Winter vegie garden

2011-07-25T19:10:00.004+10:00

After my wildly successful summer in the garden I was perhaps a tad overconfident about continuing the success throughout the winter. In the past I've managed broccoli and broad beans during the Canberrian winter, but not this year! The broad beans and snow peas are growing at a 'snail's pace' which is an apt description because the broccoli is forever being munched by the snails before it gets to any decent size. I've tried all sorts of barriers which work wonderfully well until you forget to put them on one night - and then in the morning...zip....all broccoli G-O-N-E! I'm grateful for the leeks though, because they appear to be indestructible.

We had a very early start to winter so the plants never managed to get ahead before day after day of minus starts and frost. One highlight in my winter vegie garden is my forever producing strawberry plants. These plants have been producing fruit for well over a year, whilst it is only one or two fruits a week now it has been a continuous supply for little helpers in the garden. I don't think a single one has made it inside!

Winner- giveaway!

2011-07-23T09:55:00.011+10:00

First of all let me say a HUGE thank you to everyone who entered the draw for the giveaway on my little blog - I just loved receiving all of your wonderful comments and having you 'over' for a peep...please come back any time!

...and also to the fabulous Corrie from retromummy for sharing the love and linking my giveaway to her blog.

Now without further ado (drum roll sounds), the winner of the $100 suzy hausfrau voucher is comment number 22...two little ducks, 22 (I do have a bit of a soft spot for the old bingo number calling!)...Carolyn from Stamp with Me.

Now for the official bit - the winner was drawn using a random generator widget (seriously) and overseen by the panel of not so serious experts. Here is a picture of one during the draw...

My creative space.

2011-07-21T06:00:00.004+10:00

Today I've gone back to the ol' hook and yarn and am loving it! I've started the Coco's Bobble Dress in BC Garn Silk Bloom Fino (ix20) ...and am hooked (haha) on doing puff stitches...and how quickly it is coming together.

More creative spaces are found over here...

Getting ready to spread the word!

2011-07-19T16:53:00.003+10:00

I've been waiting for nearly two weeks for my new moo cards. But aren't they purrrty and worth the wait...just the perfect thing to spread the word around.

...and remember only three (and a little bit) days left to enter my giveaway.

Fia Hat from MillaMia Wonderland book

2011-07-18T17:01:00.008+10:00

I have been trying to remember to take the camera out with me everyday to get a good snap of the finished Fia Hat from MillaMia's Wonderland book . As I said the other day, this was my first attempt at colourwork/fair isle and I have to say that it was sooooo much easier than expected! Almost (I say almost) easier than colour work in crochet!! Today, we headed off to the National Zoo and Aquarium for some school holiday fun and yay mummy remembered the camera.

As you can see I haven't knitted the ties from the book and have been holding off because the flaps are a fair bit longer than expected. I am actually delighted about this, because it means this hat will be getting use for a couple more years...but as she wears it every day I'm so worried about her losing it I think that I will crochet her some lovely long ties. I will post details when complete.

..and have you entered the giveaway! One lucky yarn tragic will win a $100 voucher for use in my little store. Entries close midnight (AEST) this Friday.

Giveaway!

2011-07-15T07:41:00.007+10:00

I've had so much fun showing off the Danish yarn this week I thought it might be nice to end it with a suzy hausfrau yarn store giveaway!

So.....I'm going to giveaway a $100 voucher to one lucky yarn tragic for use in my little store. If you are interested in a chance to win please leave one comment on THIS post before midnight (AEST) next Friday 22 July 2011.

The winner will be selected by one of those random generator thingos (technical term!)

WINNER DRAWN - Carolyn from Stamp with me....

A yarn a day (4) - Holst Garn Wool/silk blend

2011-07-14T16:38:00.005+10:00

OK...so day four of show and tell...and the last of the Danish yarns that arrived last week.

Last but not least is Holst Garn wool/silk blend. The colour that I have chosen is aubergine which is gorgeous and already on the sticks of a friend - I'll post the end result when it is done.

With all of the yarns in the Holst Garn range, once the garment is complete you need to wash it in cold water where upon it will transform into supersoft delicious delights!

Details are:

Weight: Lace/2-ply

Unit: 50g

Yardage: 287 m/314 yds

Needle Size: 3-3.25 mm for single yarn or 4-4.5 mm with double yarn

Tension: 25 stitches to 10cm/4 in for single yarn and 16 stitches to 10cm/4 in for double yarn

Fibre: 75% wool/25% silk

Texture: Plied

Don't forget to pop back to tomorrow for a very special announcement....happy happy days!

My creative space.

2011-07-14T10:17:00.006+10:00

My creative space is in the kitchen this morning. Remember those cumquats that I got a week or so ago. Well this morning I finally finished my batch of cumquat marmalade. I let the mixture soak for 24 hours so that the peel was nice and soft.

More creative spaces can be found here

A yarn a day (3) - BC Garn Baby Alpaca

2011-07-13T14:38:00.004+10:00

Day three of my Danish yarns...and the delicious BC Garn Baby Alpaca. Every time I pick up a skein of this yarn I get reminded of fairy floss. It is super, super soft and it makes you want to give it a cuddle (in fact I have done that!) I'm going to make Mr Hausfrau a wintry hat out of it, and a lacy scarf for moi!

There is a monstrous 500m yardage on each hank, which would be enough for a scarf or shawl depending upon the pattern.

I will point out that it was very hard to take photos that would do this yarn justice, and one colourway in particular the red (au08) is much more burgundy/ruby red in real life.

Don't forget to pop back on Friday when I'll be announcing a bit of a treat for my readers.

So, as before - details are:

Weight: Light fingering/3-ply

Unit: 100g

Yardage: 500m/547 yds

Needle Size: 2-3 mm

Tension 31 stitches to 10cm/4 in

Fibre: Baby alpaca

Texture: Plied

A yarn a day (2) - Holst Garn Supersoft Wool

2011-07-12T13:49:00.006+10:00

Day two of my Danish yarn expozay! This yarn is Holst Garn Supersoft Wool. Holst Garn is run by the delightful Helle Holst who was an absolute pleasure to deal with during our oh so many email exchanges...and then when I finally placed my order I received to my delight an email response something like, thanks for your order now please give me two or three days to skein it up for you! Now if that's not a boutique yarn I don't know what is!!!

I found Holst Garn through Ravelry and one of my favourite designers, Sanne Bjerregaard. The first project that I'm going to cast on is Mari's dress.
Now, Ravelry has this yarn listed as a 4-ply, but Helle Holst describes it as a 2-ply which it most definitely is. I think Rav is a bit confused as most people knit this with two strands.

So, details of the yarn are:

Weight: Lace/2-ply

Unit: 50g

Yardage: 287 m/314 yards

Needle Size: 3-3.25mm for single yarn or 4-4.5 mm with double yarn

Tension: 25 stitches to 10cm/4 in for single yarn and 16 stitches to 10cm/4 in for double yarn

Fibre: 100% wool

Texture: Plied

A yarn a day - BC Garn Silkbloom Fino!

2011-07-11T16:49:00.004+10:00

As promised over the weekend I am going to post about each of the new yarns this week - one each day...leaving room for a special announcement on Friday!

First up is the absolutely beautiful BC Garn Silkbloom Fino, suzy hausfrau is excited to be the first to bring this yarn to Australia.

BC Garn is a family run business in Denmark that was established in 1972. Their yarns are made from natural fibres and are considered to be a specialist in silk yarns in Europe. I knew that suzy hausfrau needed this yarn as soon as I saw it - but picking what colours was really, really hard. There are 25 colours in the full range, but I have just started with 9, and hope to grow the range as people become just as in love with it as I am.

Photos just don't do it justice, it has a shine and shimmer that is incredible!

So details are:

Weight: Fingering/4-ply

Unit: 50g

Yardage: 199 m/ 218 yds

Needle Size: 3-3.5 mm

Tension: 28 stitches to 10cm/4 in

Fibre: 55% merino wool/45% silk

Texture: Plied

MillaMia Rand Cushion - done!

2011-07-10T08:40:00.009+10:00

This was a really quick knit, made from one of the MillaMia kits. I'll be stocking these kits closer to Christmas time. They are just beautiful, and the colour combinations are the perfect pop of colour for someone like me who only ever uses white bedding.

This morning's impromptu photo shoot was styled by Sophie...

Behind the scenes at suzy hausfrau

2011-07-09T15:03:00.008+10:00

It's a busy Saturday behind the scenes here at suzy hausfrau! We loaded the NEW Danish stock into the store yesterday, but weren't really happy with the images provided. So we have spent a goodly portion of today re-shooting the yarn so that the colours on the site are more indicative of how they appear in real life....gawgeous of course. We are in the middle of uploading the new images now.

Lucky we had Mr Hausfrau's light box at the ready. Here is a behind the scenes look at our humble set up, which yields big results! Stay tuned for next week - when I'll do a yarn a day and show you how beautiful they really are!

My creative space.

2011-07-07T07:25:00.005+10:00

I got up early this morning to block my latest project the Fia Hat from MillaMia's Wonderland book. This required making a toddler head out of a towel, which kind of seems to work...but I'd be glad for any tips on how to do this?

This is my first attempt at colour work, and I've got to say I'm loving myself sick over it!

More creative spaces over here...

Look look look!

2011-07-06T14:08:00.005+10:00

Look what has arrived in the last hour! My first shipment of yarn from Denmark. I'm sooooo excited to be bringing these yarns to Australia for the first time! They are just beautiful, and the colours!!! I'll be working hard over the next couple of days to upload them to the shop.

This shipment includes BC Garn Silkbloom Fino (55% silk/45% merino 4ply), BC Garn Baby alpaca (100% alpaca 3 ply), Holst Garn Supersoft Wool (100% wool 4ply) and Holst Garn (75% wool/25% silk 4ply). There is some 8ply and 10 ply still on the way....yippee!

Orange jam!!?!

2011-07-05T10:55:00.006+10:00

Home-made jam in our house is referred to by colour. Red jam - strawberry, Blue jam - blueberry, Green jam - kiwi fruit, Purple jam - blackberry (I know this one doesn't quite fit)...so when a friend gave me a bunch of her beautiful cumquats over the weekend I began to wonder whether I could 'sell' cumquat marmalade to the two widgets as 'orange jam'?

I'll let you know how I get on!

Logo

2011-07-04T09:34:00.002+10:00

You may have noticed a wee change to the blog over the weekend. My logo - ta da!!!

We are still trying to load it on to the website for the store, and it should be live tomorrow.

My first thought is how much I love it, and then how 'grown up' I look. What do you think?

My creative space

2011-06-30T08:36:00.000+10:00

...is somewhat more advanced on last week. Knitting is finished, blocking and pressing done...but here my project sits 'laughing' at me and challenging me to sew up the seams. A job that you could say is not my favourite!

Project details - Rand Cushion pattern from MillaMia. Yarn is also Millamia available at my little shop!.

More creative spaces can be found over here. .

Lights, camera....but no action

2011-06-28T17:13:00.007+10:00

As you know for the last couple of months I've been a busy bee preparing to launch my own yarn store, suzy hausfrau. One of the jobs on our list was to build a light box so that we could take the best possible shots of the yarn to make it easy for our customers to make their colour choices. Mr Hausfrau rose to the challenge and made a cracking light box out of MDF which I will post about soon....so here we are ready to go. Lights, camera, but most of our stock is still not here!

Fingers and toes crossed that it is picked up today and will be here by the end of the week - the waiting is sooooo exhausting! In the meantime, here are some of the test shots that we took with Mr Hausfrau's magic light box...

Some winter colour

2011-06-25T17:14:00.002+10:00

I think that the humble old cyclamen is one of winter's true winners. It stands up to enormous punishment. This one here is in an exposed part of our front porch and withstands the frost on most winter mornings, and then is in full sun for at least half the day.

If that isn't enough, you could even bring them inside for a splash of colour and they would still be OK....though I find that they do best if they are put to 'bed' back out in the cold each night. Some varieties (including this one above) have the most delicate scent, you have to get close and personal with your plant though, but it is worth it. I give this one a good sniffing at least a couple of times a day!

My creative space

2011-06-23T13:17:00.004+10:00

Send email.

Knit a few rows.

Wait for reply....knit some more.

Yay! A reply...answer another question.

Click send...wait, knit, wait, knit.

That's my creative space today as I enlist the help of the Danish consular staff in Australia to assist my Danish suppliers with the last bit of paperwork. More creative spaces over here!

Something handmade from Mr Hausfrau

2011-06-22T09:34:00.001+10:00

For sometime now I have been challenged on the hausfrau DIY front. Mr Hausfrau is developing quite a penchant for what I call 'whittling'. By no means am I being derogatory to my man, or how he chooses to pass a lazy Saturday afternoon. Au contraire! I am happy that the handmade movement is catching on at home, and that our children get to see, participate and enjoy the fruits of the handmade labours of both parents.

I will dedicate an entire post to the book that this particular project comes from...but here is Mr Hausfrau's latest efforts. A car ferry for the boy-child. It still has to be painted, but I was so impressed I needed to post about it straight away!

Uno Cowl from MillaMia

2011-06-20T12:04:00.002+10:00

Here is a really quick little knit from Bright Young Things Pattern Book using their gorgeous merino yarn. It is just perfect for outside play at this time of year.

From cast on to playground it was about two nights worth of knitting.

I went with one of the suggested colour combinations in the book as the girl-child is so fair and these colours suit her so well. scarlet, midnight and seaside

All yarn and the pattern book are available in my little shop!

Keeping summer alive

2011-06-19T10:03:00.006+10:00

It was a gorgeous winter morning today in Canberra, clear skies, crunchy frost underfoot and minus 4.5 degrees celsius!

I love walking across the crunchy grass on the way to the vegie patch for my morning ritual of making sure that the snails were kept at bay for another night....and then inside for some blackcurrant jam on hot buttered english muffins and a cup of Lady Grey tea. Yummo!

Sadly though, this is the last of the twelve jars of different berry jams that I made over summer. Sigh...

Wonderland from MillaMia

2011-06-17T16:54:00.005+10:00

Look what has arrived in today's post!

The new pattern book from MillaMia.

The patterns in it are sooooo beautiful, and include some for older children! I am definitely going to cast something on from it this weekend!

Once I have better images of the inside I will put them up so you can all see how gorgeous they are.....I will be uploading stock to the shop tonight.

WWKIP Day

2011-06-13T21:22:00.005+10:00

So Saturday I did my little bit to contribute to World Wide Knit in Public Day (WWKIP). Actually it wasn't that far removed from a regular Saturday for me...here I am:

....knitting sideways at a (very cold) early morning soccer game for the boy-child ( hey it's late and I can't rotate this picture!!!!!!!!!!)

...squeezing in another couple on the way to town to do some shopping (that's the National Library of Australia across the lake BTW)

...the big difference was the 15 or so people that joined me for a public display of knitting/crocheting and a spot of afternoon tea - no photo here I'm sorry because we were all too busy talking, knitting and just having a ball!

Thank you to everyone who showed up...

PS Did I tell you that I have opened a little yarn store www.suzyhausfrau.com.au - I will post about it tomorrow.....sooooooooooooooo exciting!

World Wide Knit in Public Day

2011-06-09T20:33:00.003+10:00

This Saturday 11 June, I am hosting a Canberra event for World Wide Knit in Public Day.

It is on at 3pm at A Bite to Eat which at the Chifley Shops (Eggleston Crescent.)
I have booked the lounge area so we have somewhere comfy to sit and knit/crochet...Please head over to the website, where you see all of the events around the globe, search for the Canberra event and RSVP.

I told the cafe that I would give them an idea of numbers, so if you are interested please RSVP, and if you can't make it this time - I'd still love to hear (and see) about your public knitting escapades - just leave a comment on this post!

Beach bunny

2011-04-26T10:01:00.003+10:00

We're still here at the beach enjoying the sun and the school holidays...me, the man of the house...and our two beach bunnies!

Hope you all had a crackin' Easter!

Easter bunny

2011-04-14T07:25:00.001+10:00

Hello! I'm still here, just been working on something really exciting that I can tell you all about in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime have a look at these beautiful bunny ears that I ordered for our two widgets for Easter. I figured that they would get enough chocolate as we are heading home to hang with family for the holidays.

image from www.hopandpeck.co.uk

Mama made March - week four

2011-03-28T10:10:00.010+11:00

Week four of Mama made March and the weather is turning cool. Some of the autumn and winter projects on my wish list will have to be fast-tracked, but in the meantime we are cobbling together outfits - albeit a bit eclectic on some days. We are also missing two days as Mama was occupied with the boy-child and his change of season asthma/croup.

Saturday 19 March - adding a base layer to Mama Made tunic/dress

Sunday 20 March - In Mama Made blouse relaxing at home with a good book!

Tuesday 22 March - In my new favourite Mama Made overalls, complete with matching Mama Made dress for my doll, "girl".

Wednesday 23 March - in Mama Made blouse under last year's favourite Laura Ashley pinafore.

Thursday 24 March - yay for staying at home...and spinning in my Mama Made nightie.

Saturday 26 March - fun in the park at Goulburn in my Mama Made tunic. I think that tunic's are wonderful, they turn a plain old white shirt and black leggings into a pretty fantastic outfit.

Sunday 27 March - helping Mama in the vegie patch in Mama Made shorts, note the grass stain on the bottom. Don't worry about the spray I'm using, its only molasses and water.

Monday 28 March - starting to pull at straws here, off to school in a rather eclectic ensemble, including Mama Made jumper/vest.

Aint it the truth

2011-03-23T20:50:00.003+11:00

Not that I'm a tweeter people...but I am guilty of the other two! Don't you just love this from the people at I Love Charts?

Making Raita

2011-03-23T06:55:00.001+11:00

It has been a while since I posted anything about pickles or preserves. This is not a sign of preserving inaction I swear. I have managed this summer to make a few different berry jams, but undoubtedly the success of the season is the Raita pickles made from my very own homegrown cucumbers.

The recipe is from the Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving, by Ellie Topp and Margaret Howard. I have copied it for you at the bottom of this post. I tell you making raita has never been easier.

1. Add a few teaspoons of your fantastic raita pickles to the serving bowl.

2. Add natural or greek yoghourt.

3. Mix and enjoy!

Indian Style Cucumber Relish

6 cups diced peeled cucumber
2 cups thinly sliced onion
1 tbsp pickling salt
2 cups white vinegar
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 tbsp whole cumin seeds
2 tsp black mustard seeds
2 tsp yellow mustard seeds

1. Place cucumber and onion in a non-reactive bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let stand for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Drain vegetables in a sieve, rinse twice and drain thoroughly.

2. Combine vinegar, sugar, seeds in a very large stainless steel or enamel saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add vegetables and return to a boil for 30 seconds.

3. Remove vegetables from liquid with a slotted spoon, pack into hot, sterilised jars. Pour liquid over cucumber to within 1cm of rim.

4. Process 10 mins for 250ml jars and 15 mins for 500 ml jar in canner.

Makes 6 cups.

Taking the time...

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Today I'm just taking the time to notice the little things around me...

Mama made March - week three

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Week three of Mama made March and the first of our "made especially for Mama Made March" outfits. There are a couple of duplications this week - the first is our new overalls, because they were too cute to wear just once, and the second is because we are not yet ready to give up our favourite dress of the summer.

Sunday 13 March - Enjoying some Sunday sun in Mama Made tunic (actually this was last summer's favourite dress which is now too short!)

Monday 14 March - Gotta love a long weekend and hanging round in your Mama Made nightie till noon.

Tuesday 15 March - Our favourite summer dress (03/09 #18)
on the way to school, today worn with a little shrug.

Wednesday 16 March - On the move in Mama made overalls, (01/09 #11) made from ever-durable Japanese cotton-linen blend.
Thursday 17 March - In Mama made summer dress again, complete with handmade bloomers by Aunty Cherie (image deleted).

Friday 18 March - Hanging out at home in the new Mama Made overalls.

Braggin' on

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This is a bit of a brag post, but I NEED to show you how successful my summer in the garden has been.

This is all from one day's harvest - cherry tomatoes, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, corn, eggplant and two varieties of apples...and I didn't even harvest everything today. I'm impressing myself! Brag over and out.

suzy hausfrau

Summer knitting

Summer lights

A time to celebrate

Cheesecakeapalooza

02-02-2002

The Last Knit

My creative space

Sameness

Leeks in flower

Alpine Frost Scarf #2

Ruby red

tiKKi's Jane in Debbie Bliss Cotton DK

Free MillaMia Single Pattern

Macrame

Hanging on to Xmas

Something for suzy...McCalls 5388

White

Big Savings on Debbie Bliss and MillaMia

Two families

Snap Sale on MillaMia 25% off

All I want for Christmas

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar on TOMORROW

My creative space

{This moment} - a bit belated

My creative Space

New! Christmas gift Vouchers

{This moment}

A pure crafty stuff up!

Vogue Knitting and Lantern Moon

Happy hausfrau

Wish list

My creative space

I love my blankie!

BC Garn Baby Alpaca GIVEAWAY WINNER!

***PINK!!!***

My creative space

More queue jumping!

October's garden

My creative space and a GIVEAWAY!

Three day strawberry jam!

New stock at suzy hausfrau

Petite Purls FREE magazine

My creative space

New stock at suzy hausfrau

New blog crush

BC Garn Baby Alpaca *LOVE*!

My creative space

Sewing seams

Popcorn stitch bag

Spring window

Special Offer ends this Friday

Canberra Showcase

Canberra Showcase of yarn on this morning

Crochet glamazons!

My creative space

Breathe....knit....breathe...

Playing with colour

My creative space...silver and grey

Calling all Canberra yarn tragics!

Special offer from suzy hausfrau

Getting in line

BC Garn Semilla Organic Wool is here!

Oliver + S sew along

The perfect stash buster

So much sorrow...so much spirit.

Winter vegie garden

Winner- giveaway!

My creative space.

Getting ready to spread the word!

Fia Hat from MillaMia Wonderland book

Giveaway!

A yarn a day (4) - Holst Garn Wool/silk blend

My creative space.

A yarn a day (3) - BC Garn Baby Alpaca

A yarn a day (2) - Holst Garn Supersoft Wool

A yarn a day - BC Garn Silkbloom Fino!

MillaMia Rand Cushion - done!

Behind the scenes at suzy hausfrau

My creative space.

PINK!!!

BC Garn Baby Alpaca LOVE!